Gatchalian backs full face-to-face classes

By Javier Joe Ismael, Manila Times

SEN. Sherwin Gatchalian on Thursday expressed his support for the full resumption of face-to-face classes next academic school year, saying that such a move will boost the recovery of the basic education sector from the pandemic.

While the full resumption of in-person learning is a first step, Gatchalian cited the need to implement a massive learning recovery program.

The National Economic and Development Authority estimated that two years without face-to-face learning will result in P22-trillion productivity losses.

Gatchalian's proposed learning recovery program includes well-systematized tutorial sessions for struggling learners.

He said that the program will cover the most essential learning competencies under Language and Mathematics for Grades 1 to 10 and Science for Grades 3 to 10.

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Literacy and numeracy competencies will be given focus for Kindergarten learners to build on their foundational competencies, he added.

The Department of Education said that as of May 26, 34,238 schools were nominated to conduct face-to-face classes, 1,174 of which are private schools. Over 33,000 or 73.28 percent of public schools are already holding in-person classes.

"Matapos ang halos dalawang taon ng pagtugon natin sa mga hamon ng pandemya, napapanahon nang buksan natin ang lahat ng mga paaralan upang makabalik na ang mga mag-aaral. Habang patuloy ang pagbangon ng iba't ibang sektor, dapat nating tiyaking hindi mapag-iiwanan ang sektor ng edukasyon (After almost two years responding to the challenges of the pandemic, it's now time for us to open all our schools for all the learners. While the different sectors continue to rise, we should ensure that the education sector will not be left behind)," said Gatchalian, chairman of the Senate Committee on Basic Education, Arts and Culture.

Gatchalian vowed to pursue legislation to improve the quality of education and accelerate the sector's recovery from the pandemic's impact.

DepEd urged to participate in vaccination of children

Congress recently ratified the bicameral conference committee report on the creation of the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EdCom 2), a measure that Gatchalian sponsored.